Ronaldo, 23, has been a constant threat to opposing defenders throughout the campaign, be it in the Barclays Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

He has already eclipsed last season's total of 23 goals and proved he is an exceptional attacking force either out wide or occasionally up front.

He scored a brace in the 5-1 victory against Newcastle last weekend to take his tally to 29.

Now Ronaldo faces Fulham tomorrow at Craven Cottage - a ground that holds special memories for him as he scored a late winner in that corner of London last season.

Ferguson said: "Cristiano has played as a centre forward a couple of times and scored four goals in two games.

"That is a great strike rate but to score those goals as a wide player is phenomenal.

"It is a superb achievement and he has cast any doubts aside about whether he could repeat last season's total.

"Ronaldo's performance that day against Fulham was absolutely superb and he changed the face of the game."

That 2-1 victory, almost a year ago to the day, proved to be vital, as Ferguson admitted, as they went on to hold off Chelsea's challenge and regain the title.

"The winner came so late in the game, it was a plus point and a crucial victory, " he said.

"We were a few points ahead of Chelsea but as you would expect they were plodding on behind us. You knew if you made a mistake it would count."

However, it is United who are now in the slipstream and out to peg back Arsenal's three-point lead at the top of the table with Chelsea still in the frame.

Ferguson believes he has the squad to cope with a hectic schedule of league, Champions League and FA Cup games after they won the title with a skeleton staff.

He said: "The run-in is always tough. If you are involved in other tournaments that can play a part.

"If you get a run of injuries that can play a part. It can impact on you.

"We did exceptionally well last season because when we got injuries in March, 12 or 13 players knuckled down and got on with it.

"There are some important games to come. That is what you expect at this stage of the season and you are challenging for the league.

"We want to carry on our winning form as we are having a good spell and need to close the gap on Arsenal.

"It is going to be nip and tuck and points will be dropped. The trick is not to drop as many as your rivals.

"It is not easy but we have the experience and hopefully the strength of our squad this season will mean something and help us."

Fulham are locked in a relegation battle but Ferguson knows veteran manager Roy Hodgson will have his team well organised.

"It is always difficult task when you a face a side struggling to stay up so you have prepare properly for it, " said the United boss.

"We expect Fulham to be trying their best and in Roy Hodgson they have a manager with considerable experience.

"It is a big challenge for Roy but his record at clubs has been very very good."

Gary Neville (ankle), Mikael Silvestre and goalkeeper Ben Foster (both knee) are stepping up their fitness following long-term injuries.

Neville showed no reaction after playing an hour for the reserves in midweek and Silvestre is scheduled to return to training later next week.

Both could be available for the first team at end of March while Foster is set to be given a run-out in the reserves next week.